Cheeseburgers top most kid’s “things I’ll eat” list; but parents want more to their meal than a plain patty with orange cheese on a white bun. Lucky for locals, San Diego certainly stacks up in the hamburger market, with burger joints that really raise the bar on the staple sandwich. Here’s a wide variety of burgers to tantalize everyone’s tastebuds. We even found a hamburger that’s topped with peanut butter and jelly and ice cream!
Photo: Slater’s 50/50
Slater’s 50/50
What kid (or parent with a sweet tooth) wouldn’t love sinking their teeth into the ‘Peanut Butter and Jellousy’ burger at Slater’s 50/50? This beauty is made using 100% Black Canyon Angus beef, thick-cut bacon, peanut butter and strawberry jelly on a honey wheat bun… and yes, that IS a burger a la mode with a scoop of ice cream on top! You also can’t go wrong with the Original 50/50, which is their signature patty: a 50/50 blend of beef and bacon, topped with pepper jack, avocado, a sunny side up egg and chipotle adobo mayonnaise on a brioche bun. Something for everyone!
Liberty Station
2750 Dewey Rd. #193
San Diego, Ca 92106
Online: slaters5050.com
Photo: Bunz Burger Joint
Bunz Burger Joint
This Mission Valley spot may not have been on your radar before, but we think you’ll be dining there very soon. Bunz was started by a San Diego chef and restauranteur who is all about serving farm fresh, local food that tastes incredible. All their burgers (and hot dogs) are made with hormone and antibiotic free, 100% premium Meyer Angus beef. Adventurous kids should try the South a D’ Border burger with avocado, jalapeño, jack cheese, chipotle aioli, red onion and jalapeño ranch. A kid’s cheeseburger starts at $7.95 and includes a drink and choice of fries, side salad or roasted vegetables.
475 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108
Online: bunzsd.com
photo: Richard M. via Yelp
Hodad’s
This generations-old Ocean Beach restaurant touts itself as home of the ‘World’s Best Burgers,’ and has even caught the eye of The Food Network, who call their Bacon Burger that’s piled sky-high with toppings a “run-down-your-arm-burger.” Hodad’s fresh, generous toppings and tasty spices have elevated their burgers to a top pick among San Diegans for nearly 50 years. Guests also love the iconic surf-inspired decor that has been a hallmark of the restaurant, keeping surfers and beach-goers coming back to dine in the cool vibes time and again.
5010 Newport Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92107
Online: hodadies.com
Photo: Jesse M. via Yelp
Waypoint Public
This North Park hotspot is a beloved locale for its craft beers, but they’re also known around town for their cuisine, specifically their mouthwatering Waypoint Burger. This crowd pleaser is topped with aged white cheddar, pulled pork, roasted garlic aioli, house pickled veggies and a sunny side up egg cooked to perfection. It’s truly a palate explosion worth experiencing.
3794 30th St.
North Park, Ca 92104
Online: waypointpublic.com
Bruski Burgers and Brew
With locations in both Scripps Ranch and Poway, this eatery is known for two things: burgers and brews. Their incredible hamburgers are freshly made with a half-pound beef patty. We suggest the ‘That’s So Cheesy’ with cheese, a layer of caramelized cheddar cheese and chipotle aioli sauce. Pair your burger with one of their 24 craft beers. Don’t forget to ask for a side of house Bruski sauce for your fries or housemade Bruski chips (you’ll thank us later). Also, kids eat free at Bruski on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Scripps Ranch
9844 Hibert St, Suite G-10
San Diego, Ca 92131
Poway
12622 Poway Rd., Suite A
Poway, Ca 92064
Online: bruskiburgersandbrew.com
photo: Lynelle M. via Yelp
Burger Lounge
They call themselves the home of “the original grass fed burger,” and Burger Lounge prides itself on serving 100% fresh, single-source, American grass fed beef. Add creamy organic cheese and their fresh-to-order fries and that’s all you need to satisfy your hankering for a burger. Young diners don’t have to miss out on Burger Lounge. Order them a Little Lounge Burger in turkey or beef. It’s the perfect size to satisfy small appetites.
Multiple locations throughout San Diego
online: burgerlounge.com
photo: Pure Burger via Facebook
Pure Burger
This Carlsbad burger joint will hit the spot when you’re craving a little less red and a bit more green. Fresh baked artisan buns in whole-wheat or gluten-free options are just the beginning at Pure Burger. The company prides itself on not only how their burgers taste, but also how they look and how they make you feel. Always fresh, locally sourced grass-fed beef is a guarantee. They offer junior-sized burgers and cheeseburgers that are half the size of their regular version, or try a complete junior meal which comes with fries and a fountain drink.
2641 Gateway Rd.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
760-683-5101
Online: pure-burger.com
What’s your favorite burger joint in San Diego? We know you have one.
–– Leah R. Singer
